Destination courses natures
The Ile d'Oléron and the Marennes Basin are home to numerous nature races. Running on forest paths, along beaches and through marshes is another way to discover the varied landscapes that make up this territory. And yes, the Ile d'Oléron is also a land of trails! There are no mountains here, just sand as far as the eye can see.
The Oléron Ultra Trail
Organized by the Oléron Intermunicipal Sports Office and its partners, the Oléron Island Ultra Trail will circle the entire island. The route, event details, and registration are available online at ut-oleron.fr!
Several race distances are available to runners. Put on your running shoes!
The Fort Boyard Trail
Well established in the Oléron region for six editions now, the Fort Boyard Trail Run—organized by Athlétisme Oléronais—features three running courses and a walking route through the Saumonards Forest in Saint-Georges d’Oléron.
Runners set off on the second weekend of July! For the past two years, this trail race—featuring 28-, 19-, and 10-km courses—and its walking event have started at the Boyardville Departmental Sports Center. The routes follow a loop through the forest, with sections along the beach and, of course, views of Fort Boyard.
So? Want to sign up for the next edition? Find more information on the website: https://traildufortboyard.athletismeoleronais.fr/
The Oléron triathlon
Usually held in late September or early October in the commune of Saint Georges d'Oléron, the Oléron triathlon starts from the port of Le Douhet. Several distances are available: M, S and XS. A team race is also possible on the S and M distances. A walk and a children's race complete this already rich panel of courses!
More than a hundred volunteers are committed to bringing sport to life on the Ile d'Oléron. Whether you're an experienced triathlete, an amateur or a sporting friend, you'll find all the information you need on the Oleron triathlon website: https: //www.triathlondoleron.com/
Any more races on the island of Oléron?
The Foulées de l’Oumière takes place in November in the town of Saint-Pierre d’Oléron. There are two race distances—a 10-km and a 20-km—organized by the town’s municipal sports office. The race starts and finishes at the Oumière sports complex, with a course that winds through the center of the island.
The Marennes Oyster Run takes place in May and is organized by the Marennes Presqu’ile d’Arvers Track and Field Club. It consists of two road races—a 7.5 km and a 15 km—a ranked Nordic walking event, and a kids’ race. The course takes participants on a tour of Marennes’ historic downtown and the surrounding marshes.
The Chassiron Run takes place in August. The Dyonisian Sports Association organizes the event and offers a 12-km race to explore the northern tip of the island and its Chassiron Lighthouse! An 8-km walk and a kids’ race round out the list of events.
The Raid Oléron Multisports takes place in September in the town of Saint-Pierre d’Oléron. This orienteering race combines three sports: mountain biking, running, and canoeing. Three formats are available: a 5-hour race, a 3-hour race, and a family course for adults and children, in which mountain biking and canoeing are replaced by fun beach activities.